Community Rallies Behind 11-Year-Old Edison Girl ‘Fighting For Her Life’

EDISON, NJ – A 11-year-old Edison student is “fighting for her life” after an emergency surgery due to an “unknown, aggressive” tumor in her brain.

Alexandra "Allie" Kelly Ewing is described as a “bright, kind, effervescent 11-year-old with a passion for life.” She recently had emergency surgery and the family still does not have a diagnosis.

The family is searching for answers and looking to get a second opinion. In a bid to help with costs, a GoFundMe has been set up for the Ewing family. The fundraiser was also shared by Mayor Sam Joshi and local organizations on Facebook.

“We have no diagnosis, and the doctors continue to run tests upon tests. We are in desperate search of answers, a diagnosis, proper care, and most importantly, a potentially life-changing second opinion,” according to Sean Ewing, the organizer of the fundraiser.

The 11-year-old recently underwent initial surgery to relieve tension on her brain. Doctors found a tumor on the right hemisphere of her brain, the size of a golf ball, according to the fundraiser. This tumor is continuously growing at a rapid pace and affecting Allie's motor skills on her left side.

“The current doctors surmise that due to the size and location of the tumor blocking cerebral fluids, it would cause more harm than good to operate,” the fundraiser said.

“Allie has so much more life to live and love to give. As we know, second opinions within healthcare can be crucial and life-changing. We will not rest until we exhaust every possible avenue for care and alternative opinions.”

An active member of the school and community, Allie plays softball, soccer, is in the Edison Band, and takes part in the Edison Jets Organization.

Her parents are also active community members, with both being part of the Edison Jets Football and Cheer E-Board. Allie's father is currently Vice President & 10U Head Coach and Coach & Board Member of Edison Boys Baseball League, and her mother is the secretary of Edison Jets Football and Cheer.

“Allie's family is a testament to their strength, perseverance, and enduring love. Allie's mother, along with serving her community, is a stay-at-home mom to Allie's non-communicative autistic sister. She was also the former PTO Co-President of John Marshall Elementary for 4 years. Allie's father, also an active Community member, is a self-employed truck driver working constantly. With your donations, we can aid in Allie's care and assistance to her family, along with easing life burdens,” the fundraiser said.

So far, the community has raised $79,777 through the fundraiser. The goal is to raise $150,000.

As of Thursday, Allie was moved from the ICU to the oncology floor at RWJ.

“We are still waiting on a final diagnosis. Our family remains positive and hopes for the best possible outcome in this situation. We ask for everyone to remain positive and continue to send positive energy her way,” the organizer of the fundraiser said in the latest update.

To help Allie and her family, click here.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com